Chacala Beach Weekend
May 2018
While living in Mexico, I’ve been so fortunate to be surrounded by a group of strong and supportive women. Whether we are sitting around the plastic tables of Res publica for our favorite steak dinner or on the sandy beaches of the Pacific, these friends fill my heart and soul. This weekend, the twelve of us, plus four dogs, escaped to Chacala, Nayarit for three days. Normally, I save my beach trips for puentes, or long weekends, this was so worth it for the lovely time spent together.
We made the most of the trip by getting out of town as fast as possible. I swear we didn’t knock any kids down when we rushed to the exit of the school as soon as the bell rang. We quickly piled in and sped out of town before the terrible traffic started. A new section of the highway between Guadalajara and the coast had opened up and the narco-blockades were conveniently not posted on our route. Just three and a half hours later we pulled into our jungle hotel with a few hours of sunshine to space.
Some of us stayed at the beautiful jungle hotel, Majahua, while the others with dogs stayed in the small town of Chacala just down the beach. Our cabins sat above the rocky beach front and were connected with a series of switchbacks through the jungle foliage. Towering palm fronds shaded the stone paths. Fortunately our room had air conditioning because the humid air along with high temperatures would have been unbearable for sleeping. Outside our room we had a small patio with a hammock. Day and night we could hear the waves crashing against the rocks. Breakfast and wifi were included, if anyone is looking for a great place to stay, this spot is paradise. My favorite was the set of pools connected by little waterfalls, tucked away in the shade while maintaining an ocean view.
We spent the sunny days on the sandy beach. The dogs ran until they were exhausted and then napped in the shade. We dipped in the water, sipped tequila, read books, took naps, got massages and relaxed the weekend away. We ate several meals at the same palapa covered beach restaurant which had both delicious seafood (I heard) and offered excellent non-fish menu items (my preference). By Sunday the server knew us well.
The best moment of the weekend was the Saturday evening sunset. Each of us has sat and watched the sun set thousands of times before. But this moment was particularly special. Different circumstances have brought us all to live aboard in Mexico for a few years where we have formed this special bond. We shared this sunset together but all appreciated the end of day for our own reasons. Some were approaching goodbyes and new adventures away. Others had heavy hearts for their own personal reasons. A few were cherishing new beginnings, personal growth and success. Together we shared a moment of connectedness. We shared hugs and arms around the shoulder and then we continued down the beach into the evening. What a beautiful weekend to close out the school year.
